The country was left bankrupt and isolated by the disintegration from 1989 of the Soviet bloc.
Almost overnight, 85% of its markets disappeared - and with them, the subsidies and favourable long-term trade agreements that kept the economy afloat.
The situation hit rock-bottom in 1994, when Cubans found daily life a desperate struggle - many walking miles to work as petrol shortages forced almost all traffic off the road, enduring extended electricity and water cuts, and scrabbling for food as state food stocks dwindled.

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I'm impressed. [stick]

Are we having a philosophical discussion here, or am I being reprimanded?

But, for all the hardships of life, Cuba's young have not decided a purely capitalist solution is the only way, insists Rafael Hernandez.
"Only a very small minority of young people are embracing capitalist values, as opposed to social justice, independence, sovereignty, national development.
"I don't think most youngsters have renounced having a better society. This is about having a better society."

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Where have we heard this before?

Are we having a philosophical discussion here, or am I being reprimanded?